Adeniran Saheed, a 200-level law student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), has emerged as the winner of the 2026 Business Verge Student Essay Competition.
Saheed won the competition with his essay, “Nigeria Economy: How Young Nigerians Can Build Enduring Business Ideas,” which responded to the central question of the competition:
“How Can Young Nigerians Build Sustainable Businesses in Today’s Economy?”
His selection brings the competition to a close after a series of stages that saw the field narrowed from the initial entries to 10 finalists, then five and ultimately three.
From Top 10 to Winner
Saheed was first announced as one of the Top 10 finalists in the competition before advancing to the Top 5 and subsequently the final Top 3.
He ultimately emerged as the overall winner ahead of the other two finalists, John Fulfilment, a 300-level computer engineering student, and Tobechukwu Egboh, a 400-level electrical & electronics engineering student.
The progression of the competition provided students with an opportunity to present their perspectives on one of the most important questions facing young Nigerians: how to build businesses that can survive and create value in a challenging economic environment.
A Question About Building Businesses That Last
The competition was designed to encourage students to think beyond entrepreneurship as simply an avenue for self-employment.
Instead, participants were challenged to consider what it takes to build businesses that can adapt to economic realities, respond to market needs, and remain sustainable over time.
The essays submitted by students approached the subject from different academic and practical perspectives.
The finalists represented disciplines including law, computer engineering, electrical & electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, marine science, and accounting.
That range of perspectives demonstrated the breadth of interest in entrepreneurship among young Nigerians and the different ways students understand the country’s business environment.
Celebrating the Next Generation
For Business Verge, the essay competition provided an opportunity to spotlight students who are already thinking about the economic realities that will shape their future.
The initiative also reinforces the importance of creating platforms where young people can articulate their ideas and participate in conversations about business, innovation, and economic development.
Saheed’s win marks the conclusion of the 2026 competition, but the ideas raised throughout the process extend beyond the competition itself.
Business Verge Congratulates the Winner
Business Verge congratulates Adeniran Saheed on emerging as the winner of the 2026 Student Essay Competition.
The organization also congratulates John Fulfilment and Tobechukwu Egboh for reaching the final stage and recognizes every student who submitted an entry to the competition.
The competition may have produced one winner, but it also created a platform for a broader conversation about how young Nigerians can approach entrepreneurship and contribute to the country’s economic future.
Winner Announcement Receives Media Coverage
The announcement of Adeniran Saheed as the winner of the 2026 Business Verge UNILAG Student Essay Competition has also been published by external media platforms.
Read the press release on BB uzz, Businessdairy , thisdaylive and Independentng
Follow the Competition Journey
Top 10 Finalists: https://businessvergeng.com/business-verge-announces-top-10-finalists-of-2026-unilag-student-essay-competition/
Top 3 Finalists: https://businessvergeng.com/business-verge-names-top-3-finalists-in-2026-unilag-student-essay-competition/
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